The Los Angeles Rams’ decision to sign Carson Wentz on Tuesday was met with mixed reviews. Some fans laughed it off as a desperate move, while others wished the Rams brought him in long ago instead of trusting Brett Rypien.
There was also a group that wondered if this addition was an indication of Matthew Stafford being out longer than anticipated. Sean McVay said on Monday that he was optimistic about Stafford playing in Week 11 after the Rams’ bye, though he didn’t definitively say the veteran would be ready.
Well, this signing of Wentz isn’t a sign that Stafford’s injury is worse than expected, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
“He signed yesterday with the Los Angeles Rams to back up Matthew Stafford,” Rapoport said. “This is not an indication that Stafford’s injury is worse than they thought. Sean McVay said he does believe, it sounds like, that Stafford would be back next week. Just needed a better backup, so Brett Rypien was waived and Carson Wentz was signed.”
From @GMFB: The latest on #Bears QB Justin Fields, the #Titans officially naming Will Levis the starter, and the signing of new #Rams QB Carson Wentz. pic.twitter.com/YdmQWwguPO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 8, 2023
Wentz has been available since the Commanders cut him in February, failing to catch on with any other teams that might need a backup quarterback. The Rams got one poor performance out of Rypien and decided Wentz would be an upgrade, so he’s being brought in.
Last season with Washington, Wentz threw 11 touchdown passes and nine interceptions in seven starts after throwing 27 touchdown passes and seven picks with the Colts in 2021. He was the No. 2 overall pick in 2016 by the Eagles, one selection after Jared Goff was drafted.
